Steve Tyrer, the former St Helens three-quarter, is on the money and has leveled things up.

Wonderful effort with the pressure on.

The drop-out is long and true, but a high hit allows Halifax the chance to level scores here... kick to come.

Jonathan Davies
Former Great Britain international on BBC Two

It will be very interesting to see how St Helens adapt, I think everyone expects a big score, they are the best side by far in the competition but sometimes when you're playing a so-called lesser opposition you try and play too much football.

What an amazing kick chase by Halifax.

Jonny Lomax pauses and waits for an awkward bounce to take the ball dead, but Halifax players are onto the Saints full-back in a flash. Such determination in their efforts to get on the front foot.

Lomax has to tap the ball down and we have a drop-kick from Saints to come.

Cath B: You can't have asked anything more of Halifax in this first 10 minutes. They've been brilliant. Hope they can keep it up as long as possible.

Callum: The sad thing about this game is that Halifax will battle St Helens really well, be dogged and not let them play, then the fitness of full-time professionals at Saints will shine through around 60 minutes.

Ten minutes have come and gone and Saints only have the penalty to show for their efforts.

A few errors have held Halifax back, but they have been supreme at keeping the Super League leaders at bay so far.

John Kear
Wales & Bradford Bulls coach on BBC Two

Halifax will build into this game - they have been examined a couple of times, having to defend within their own half and they've passed those examinations.

After Scott Murrell kicks out on the full for Halifax, St Helens march forward with ease.

They come close to crossing for the game's first try but Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook knocks on right on the line. Halifax survive.

While it is not sleek by Saints, they have the Championship side under all sorts of early pressure.

Jonathan Davies
Former Great Britain international on BBC Two

Halifax have to think outside the box, complete their sets and keep their discipline. They've got to mix it and stop the rhythm of St Helens.

There's such a big gap between the two sides.

What, oh what is going on...

Halifax have the audacity to try the short kick again... and would you believe it, they once again come up trumps.

A knock-on, however, costs them the ball and Saints are off the hook.

Halifax have come to play!

St Helens raise a few eyebrows as they opt for the points...

It is easily slotted by Danny Richardson and the favourites are off the mark

St Helens make easy metres up field...

They march to within 20 metres and of the line.

One kick comes to nothing and possession is worked back inside to James Roby. The wise old head sends a delicate kick in goal and causes all sorts of panic. Danger averted but a penalty is won...

The Fax think outside the box early on there... but it comes to nothing.

St Helens, despite losing possession within seconds, remain calm. A little grubber is dribbled behind the defence and into the corner by Scott Grix, but it is easily collected.

Steph Woodstock: I'd absolutely love an upset here.. But unless half the Saints team get injured or sent-off I just can't see it happening!!

Katie: Come on Halifax!

Kirsty: Cheering Halifax RL on this aft!

Lots of love out there for Fax this afternoon! Where are you Saints fans?

And we are under way. The ball is sent high and short by Halifax... and they gather straight away.

They have first possession now. What can they do?

BBC Two

As we edge towards our sixth hour of Challenge Cup coverage today, this is a reminder of where you can catch all the action.

Television coverage of the second semi-final is on BBC Two and of course available at the top of this page, as is BBC Radio 5 Live and local radio commentaries.

Image source, Rex Features

The pyrotechnics are let loose and the noise levels spike as both sides walk onto the pitch.

We are just moments away from kick-off now.

St Helens' James Roby tells BBC Two: "We fully expect Halifax to come out firing, it's going to be a great game and it's a great occasion for the sport, we'll have to be at our best."

Halifax coach Simon Grix tells BBC Two: "We've trained three nights a week and we try to make the most of that time, we've taken a look at St Helens as individuals and that they are human. They do make errors and we will get some opportunities off the back of that.

"We're prepared for what is a really big game for the club and there was a really good atmosphere in the bus on the way in so we're looking forward to it."

Now for a few last-minute thoughts from both camps as the atmosphere ramps up in Bolton...